Glaucoma is an eye condition where damage occurs to the optic nerve leading to peripheral vision loss.  In some but not all cases the eye pressure is higher than the normal range.   Most types of glaucoma are completely painless.  If left untreated, glaucoma can eventually lead to complete vision loss.  In fact, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.

What is a glaucoma test?

Increased pressure in the eye is a risk factor for glaucoma and is one of the most important screening tests used to diagnose glaucoma.  Other risk factors include family history, diabetes, hypertension and eye trauma.

Reasons for administering glaucoma tests

There is no cure for glaucoma, therefore early detection is critical.  Glaucoma does not present any visible symptoms until vision loss has already advanced.  The only way to preserve vision is to undergo regular glaucoma tests.  In addition to measuring eye pressure, visual fields and the assessment of the optic nerve are used to determine if further testing is required for glaucoma.

A glaucoma test should be part of your regularly scheduled eye examinations.